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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a ideal location in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He stood with the initial supporters to arrive at the location, overflowing with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a 20-date tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept this is happening," shared the young man, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they sing one track repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as fans plotted where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to skip the tour, referencing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, media representatives were denied from getting tickets to report on the opening night. On that evening, the group did not respond to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where many thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had left some fans conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it sooner," said one attendee, a young woman, who asked that her last name not be published. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But at least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the situation earlier in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, briefly walked off stage during a individual concert after a protester heckler yelled: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

This wasn't the right way to react, said Lola. "I didn't like his response." Finally, however, the songs had won her over. "I obviously cannot manage what I feel when I listen to music ... I really wanted to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being seen as involvement," calling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist stated that he would "definitely not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be any distance close to the current government," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Opinions

A number of supported the group, pointing to their established record of social engagement. "They've always stood for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the people who know them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group play, after developing a passion when she originally attended them live in decades ago.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and every single performance in her nation of Italy. "They always change from one record, they never do similar shows," she said as she displayed her two Radiohead-themed body art. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they continued with the same things. And over time you become tired."

New Generation Joins the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the artists had remained seven years without performing together had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, 20, causing chuckles from those standing nearby beside him. "So it was really worth it to be present and share this moment."

Behind him sat an attendee, who had come with his bags after riding a daybreak rail from his city.

The last time the fan had seen the band was 22 years ago. This time, he had arrived at the location over half a day before the performance was scheduled to begin, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had developed a passion for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "I was surprised to find all these youth here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I assumed I would be first in line because adults skip such activities. But at present my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will travel to Bologna, London, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on the winter date.